Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta, a perfect one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce. This family-friendly dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne, shells, rigatoni, etc.)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups broccoli florets (1 head of broccoli), cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starts to lightly brown. - Sauté aromatics
Add the onions and garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes until the onions soften slightly, enhancing the flavor base of the dish. - Cook the pasta
Add the pasta, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, stir, cover the pot/skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. - Add broccoli
Uncover the pot and stir in the broccoli florets. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes until all the liquid evaporates and the broccoli becomes tender-crisp. - Finish with cheese
Stir in the nutmeg and cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: You can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, and shells work especially well as they hold the sauce nicely.
- Chicken Substitute: This recipe is versatile. You can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
